Motion estimation for video compression systems

A method for determining the quality of motion vector determinations for a set of video images in a motion-compensated video compression system, including:

• (a) applying an AC match algorithm in determining a best match AC motion vector candidate for the set of video images;
• (b) applying a DC match algorithm in determining a best match DC motion vector candidate for the set of video images;
• and
• (c) selecting, as a best match, the better of the best match AC motion vector candidate and the best match DC motion vector candidate.

A computer program, stored on a computer-readable medium, for motion estimation in a motion-compensated video compression system, the computer program comprising instructions for causing a computer to:

• (a) apply at least two fast motion estimation search computer programs to a set of video images and selecting a candidate best match motion vector for each search computer program;
• (b) select a best motion vector from the candidate best match motion vectors;
• and
• (c) apply the best match motion vector to compress the set of video images.

A computer program, stored on a computer-readable medium, for determining the quality of motion vector determinations for a set of video images in a motion-compensated video compression system, the computer program comprising instructions for causing a computer to:

• (a) apply an AC match algorithm in determining a best match AC motion vector candidate for the set of video images;
• (b) apply a DC match algorithm in determining a best match DC motion vector candidate for the set of video images;
• and
• (c) select, as a best match, the better of the best match AC motion vector candidate and the best match DC motion vector candidate.

A system for motion estimation in a motion-compensated video compression system, including:

• (a) means for applying at least two fast motion estimation search methods to a set of video images and selecting a candidate best match motion vector for each search method;
• (b) means for selecting a best motion vector from the candidate best match motion vectors;
• and
• (c) means for applying the best match motion vector to compress the set of video images.

A system for determining the quality of motion vector determinations for a set of video images in a motion-compensated video compression system, including:

• (a) means for applying an AC match algorithm in determining a best match AC motion vector candidate for the set of video images;
• (b) means for applying a DC match algorithm in determining a best match DC motion vector candidate for the set of video images;
• and
• (c) means for selecting, as a best match, the better of the best match AC motion vector candidate and the best match DC motion vector candidate.